Governor of Afar Region to Al Jazeera Net: Confronting volcanoes requires international cooperation Environment and climate

The governor of the Afar region in Ethiopia, Awal Arta, said that the volcanic explosion that occurred in the Haile Gobi region near the Arta Ali volcano is an unprecedented event, explaining that the region “has not witnessed an eruption of this size in more than 12 thousand years,” despite its accustomed to frequent volcanic activity.

The governor explained, in exclusive statements to Al Jazeera Net, that the Arta Ali volcano – one of the most active volcanoes in the world – was accustomed to varying annual eruptions, but the recent explosion exceeded all expectations, as it erupted in a new location about 10 kilometers away from the traditional craters, and exited through several newly formed craters.

He added that the matter is no longer only a local or Ethiopian matter, but rather a regional and global issue that requires broad international cooperation to study the phenomenon and prepare for its future repercussions.

Environmental and health repercussions

The governor pointed out that the eruption did not cause human casualties, but it caused environmental, health and psychological damage, and affected livestock and vegetation. It also caused water and air pollution, and its effects extended to neighboring regions and countries due to the movement of the winds.

He announced the formation of an emergency committee that includes the Disaster Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Universities of Samra and Addis Ababa to follow up on the event and evaluate its scientific and humanitarian impacts.

In response to attempts to link the eruption to the Renaissance Dam, the governor stressed that these allegations are “baseless,” explaining that the location of the volcano is located in the northeast of the country, far from the dam area.

He also welcomed the Al Jazeera team’s visit to the site of the eruption, considering it an opportunity to inform the world of the truth about what happened and alleviate fears, noting that the region is witnessing an increasing demand from tourists due to the fact that Arta Ali and Haile Gobi are among the most prominent geological and tourist destinations in the world.

The region’s relations with its neighbors

In another context, the governor spoke about the peace situation in the region, stressing that the Afar region has stable relations with the Oromo and Amhara, at a time when the old disputes with Somalia ended with understandings sponsored by the federal government.

As for the relationship with Tigray, it witnessed tensions due to the war, but today the region seeks to rebuild after losses exceeding billions as a result of wars and disasters.

He pointed out that the relationship with Djibouti is “built on peace and common interests,” while the relationship with Eritrea is affected by political circumstances, as the borders are opened in times of calm and closed in times of tension, but he stressed that “the Afar in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti are one people and one destiny, not separated by colonial borders.”

Wealth and investment opportunities

The ruler called on investors from the Gulf and the world to exploit the great opportunities provided by the region, stressing that the region possesses huge natural resources, including gold, copper and rare metals, in addition to large agricultural areas and large livestock.

He pointed out that the passage of the Hawash River through five governorates, and the presence of fresh lakes and the “Salt Sea,” give the region strong strategic advantages, especially with its proximity to the Red Sea.

He stressed that the government is ready to provide broad facilities, including tax exemptions, land provision, and investment protection, stressing that Afar is a “land of opportunities” and ready to embrace projects in agriculture, mining, energy, and manufacturing industries.

Afar transnational identity

The Afar people live in a region spanning Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti, united by a common identity and deep social and economic ties. Despite the tensions between countries, Afar communities have maintained their natural communication and vital role.

With enhanced cooperation between the three countries, the Afar regions could become a model for economic integration and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.